The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cycle Solar Batteries

Did you know that most deep cycle solar batteries last up to 6 years in constant use? There are many great uses for solar batteries that have led to their increasing levels of popularity. Using a solar battery bank allows homes to live off of the grid and people to live full time in their RVs and vans.

Deep cycle solar batteries are a great investment because they provide many things that traditional batteries don’t provide. Whether you’re using solar light batteries or a solar battery charger, you can’t go wrong by investing in a deep cycle battery. Luckily, you’re in the right place to learn about how these batteries work and the benefits they provide.

Continue reading to learn more about deep cycle solar batteries today.

What Are Deep Cycle Solar Batteries?

Deep cycle batteries are a great alternative to the traditional batteries used in boats, cars, and RVs because they’re reusable and they provide a steady level of power for extended periods of time. Another thing that sets deep cycle batteries apart from the competition is that you’re able to fully discharge them and charge them to capacity again.

While they work in a similar way to car batteries, the two types of batteries operate in different ways. Car batteries are intended to provide short but intense bursts of energy. Deep cycle solar batteries are designed to provide moderate and consistent amounts of power.

There are many different types of deep cycle batteries that you’ll need to choose from for your solar car battery charger and solar battery needs. Here is a closer look at the different types of deep cell batteries.

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries

Flooded lead-acid batteries are also known as “wet cell” batteries and they’re one of the oldest types of rechargeable batteries on the market today. This type of battery is over 150 years old. These deep cycle batteries use lead plates that are immersed in electrolyte within a case that isn’t sealed.

Flooded lead-acid batteries are one of the least expensive options on the market today if you’re looking for a deep cycle solar battery. It needs to be stated that this battery is getting phased out in exchange for more advanced battery technologies.

The biggest benefit that this type of battery provides is the inexpensive cost and the high surge levels. A major drawback to flooded lead-acid batteries is that they need a lot of maintenance to continue working at peak levels. This type of battery also needs to be upright at all times since it is unsealed.

Sealed AGM Batteries

Sealed AGM batteries are another popular option for people that need the benefits that deep cycle batteries provide. They use the same chemistry technologies that a flooded lead-acid battery uses but they use glass fiber mats rather than a pool of acid to store and generate power.

This technology helps to set sealed AGM batteries apart from the competition. It allows for much smaller battery sizes with equal levels of power and storage. It also requires little to no maintenance to continue working at a high level. 

Those are two of the biggest benefits that you’ll gain from getting sealed AGM batteries for your solar applications. They’re much smaller and they don’t require regular maintenance like a flooded lead-acid battery. They’re also capable of rapid charging with less energy loss compared to wet cell batteries.

Another thing that sets them apart from other types of batteries is that they don’t produce nearly the same levels of gas. This means they require much less ventilation in order to work in a safe way. Sealed AGM batteries are also a great option if you’ll be keeping the battery in storage since they have slow self-discharge rates.

The big drawback to sealed AGM batteries is that they’re more expensive compared to flooded lead-acid batteries. They’re also prone to overcharging or getting charged too quickly, which damages the cells in the battery. For more information on these batteries be sure to visit www.rbbattery.com. 

Sealed Gel Batteries

Sealed gel batteries are another popular option if you’re in the market for deep cycle solar batteries. They use a semi-solid gel electrolyte to provide power and storage inside of the battery. They’re similar to AGM batteries in the sense that both types of batteries are sealed. They don’t leak and they don’t emit any gases, but they do have drawbacks.

One of the best things about sealed gel batteries is how robust they are for their small and compact size. On top of that, they’re one of the most reliable types of batteries available today and they don’t require any maintenance. 

They’re also sealed, so you’re able to store them or place them in any orientation without causing damage to the cells or causing leaks. Sealed gel batteries are another great option if you’ll be storing the battery for prolonged periods. They have a minuscule discharge rate of 3 percent per month.

Best of all, you’re able to get this type of battery shipped to you since it doesn’t need to get labeled “Dangerous Goods”. This adds convenience and cost savings to the benefits of a sealed gel battery.

The big downside that comes with a sealed gel battery is that they cost as much as 30 percent more than flooded lead-acid batteries. There is also a risk that you might damage them permanently if you charge them wrong or overcharge them. They’re also very heavy batteries and they’re difficult to repair if something does go wrong.

Get Your Deep Cycle Solar Batteries Today

There are many great options to choose from when you’re looking at buying deep cycle solar batteries for your home or your vehicle. Flooded lead-acid batteries are the cheapest option and they provide high surge levels. AGM batteries are another great option since they require no maintenance and provide a lot of power in a compact size.

Sealed gel batteries are great because they also require no maintenance. They are perfect if you need to store them for long periods of time, like if they’re used in an RV.

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